The Anti-Trend Staple That's Sure to Define Summer Fashion (Again)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Gabriela Hearst; @cassdimicco; Courtesy of Maryam Nassir Zadeh)

No matter how much things change, they stay the same. Sure, time passes, but without fail, every season has its form of essentials—i.e., the experiences or items that feel as if they fulfill the trope that's associated with that period. For some, summer is defined by what you choose to eat, where you decide to travel, and even who you spend your time with. But for fashion people, it always comes back to what we're wearing. In our minds, summer isn't summer unless you're frolicking under the sun in "cliché" staples (e.g., sandals and a sundress). 

As trite as that may sound, it's undeniable that clothing is just as much a part of the summer experience as anything else. After all, you can't make that quintessential pilgrimage to the beach sans swimsuit. And you're sure as hell not going to leave for your summer vacation without packing clothing. So investing in summer basics is as much of a rite of passage for the season as any other activity. Of course, there's a long list of items one can consider essential for summer, but in my mind, there's one nonnegotiable: crochet clothing.

Like clockwork, crochet pieces always come back once warmer temperatures ascend. But make no mistake. This isn't another fleeting trend. Crochet pieces have become the epitome of summer style, surpassing the "trendy" status to become an anti-trend staple in its own right. Don't believe me? Ahead, I've pulled receipts to show how crochet continues to be an essential part of the summertime experience. So let's get into it…

Crochet on the runway:

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Interior; Courtesy of Victoria Beckham; Courtesy of Lanvin; Courtesy of Alejandra Alonso Rojas; Courtesy of Maryam Nassir Zadeh; Courtesy of Jil Sander; Courtesy of Roberta Einer; Courtesy of Gabriela Hearst; Courtesy of Simkhai)

Even though crochet has been cemented as a timeless staple, I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge how crochet pieces (in every form) reached that status. In part, the prevalence of crochet pieces has to do with how they've continued to be part of runway collections over the years. Spring/summer 2023 runways are no exception to that rule, as we saw designers take this "dated trend" and turn it on its head by using special weaving techniques. 

For example, open cobweb-like weaves that looked like they were on the brink of unraveling (purposely, of course) were spotted in the S/S 23 collections of Victoria Beckham, Interior, Jil Sander, and Gabriela Hearst. At the same time, we saw gowns and tops adorned with crochet rosette appliqués at Roberta Einer and Alejandra Alonso Rojas. There were shirts, skirts, and dresses that featured ultra-dainty crochet that looked like vintage doilies at The Row, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, and Simkhai. Though the knitting technique differed between designers, the spring/summer 2023 collections showed crochet's continued staying power. 

Crochet on the fashion set:

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It's not just the runways that have shown crochet's continued relevance. Like ice cream on a hot day, crochet pieces have become woven into the visual iconography of what defines the season. After all, you can't scroll through social media without spotting a fashion person wearing some form of a crochet piece (even if we haven't reached the "official" start of summer). The pervasiveness of this trend can be boiled down to its versatility.

Not only can crochet pieces be worn by everyone for almost any type of occasion, but there are also so many ways to embrace them. From crochet swim cover-ups to woven tote bags, there's no shortage of ways to wear this staple in a way that feels signature to your sartorial preferences. It's that flexibility that's cemented crochet pieces as a perennial summer staple. But if you're still not sold, keep scrolling. I've rounded up the 45 best crochet finds for the summer. 

Shop the best crochet pieces for summer:

Next up, 12 Easy Beach Outfits It Girls Wear on Repeat

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.